Hello, we are a group of 5 adults interested in a tour that includes entrance to Eiffel Tower (skip the line if possible) and the option to go "to the top". We also want to do an evening rivercruise on the Seine and I see that some of them depart from an area near the Eiffel tower. Champagne, food and music would be lovely. If meal is not included, we would love to enjoy live music and a few drinks. WE are going mid September.
If you have suggestions on which tour company and/or which tour to take which sounds like it might work for us, I appreciate your information.
Thank you so much!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
2242 posts
AlbertaMax,
Re the Eiffel Tower, you can pay for a tour of the tower, but be aware that when going from the second level to the top, there is one elevator, and no tour group or guide can put you at the front of the line in which others have been waiting. "Skip the line" claims can be deceptive. You can, of course, prepurchase tickets online yourself and avoid waiting in the ticket line at the base. I suspect that is what the tour company claims refer to. Or, as some people do, you could walk up the stairs (no real line) to the second level. (Personally, it would be too much for me, but I am 81.) Also, some times, if the weather isn't cooperative, the top is closed.
Re a dinner cruise on the Seine, there are differing opinions. I (and others) feel that trying to enjoy a meal while cruising on the Seine does an injustice to the meal and the view. You miss a lot of the scenery while focusing on the meal, and can't relish your food while trying to catch sight of Paris. Also, IMO it is best to sit on the top of the boat for the best views of Paris, and the dinners are served inside the lower level. (f I am incorrect on this, please let me know, forum members.) Also, except for 2 or 3 companies the meals are reported to be just so-so. One that is recommended for good meals is Calife. I haven't heard of any cocktail/dancing options on Seine boat rides. We have brought along a beverage ourselves when we have taken a ride on the Vedettes de Pont Neuf boats.
I hope you find what you will enjoy! Bonne chance!
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2960 posts
The big line at the Eiffel Tower is the security line which no one skips.
Purchase tickets up to 60 days in advance from the official website. Tickets are issued in waves, the last being 7 days before any visit. The summit is not always open, even if you have tickets. It sometimes closes due to weather or maintenance. It was closed during last weeks heat wave for several days. A tour is not really required.
https://www.toureiffel.paris/en
I recommend these dinner cruises, book as early as possible. I would try now:
https://donjuan2.yachtsdeparis.fr/en
https://www.ducasse-seine.com/en
https://calife.com/
https://www.marina-de-paris.com/en/book-your-cuise/maxims-dinner-cruises/
Prices start at 135€ pp (Calife) and up. Don Juan II has one Michelin star.